Shiloh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ShilohApril 8, 1862ShilohUnion General Ulysses S. Grant's forces are surprised at the town of Shiloh in Tennessee. The ensuing battle results in 13,000 Union and 10,000 Confederate casualties, more than in all previous American wars combined.

Jun 1, 1862

Robert E. Lee Assumes Command

Seven Day Attacks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._LeeJune 25, 1862Seven Day AttacksOver the course of seven days, General Robert E. Lee attacks George McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac near Richmond, Virginia. Huge casualties cause McClellan to withdraw north towards Washington.

Aug 30, 1862

Second Battle of Bull Run

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Bull_RunAugust 30, 1862Second Battle of Bull RunThe Second Battle of Bull Run is a resounding victory for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Union General John Pope is blamed for the loss and is relieved of his duties after the battle.

Jan 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_ProclamationJanuary 1, 1863Emancipation ProclamationLincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. It frees all slaves in territory captured by the Union Army, and orders the enlistment of black soldiers. From this point forward, the Civil War is a war over slavery.

Mar 1, 1863

Chancellorsville

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_ChancellorsvilleMay 1, 1863ChancellorsvilleOver the course of three days, General Robert E. Lee divides his army in the face of a larger enemy, and manages to defeat the Union Army led by "Fighting" Joe Hooker. The North suffers 17,000 casualties, the South 13,000.